WHAT IS A RECTOVAGINAL FISTULA?
Fistula is derived from the Latin word that means “pipe.” A fistula is an abnormal connection between two epithelialized surfaces. So rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is medical name given to the condition where there is an abnormal connection between rectum (or even anal canal) and Vagina. It is an uncommon but quite troublesome disease both for the patient and surgeon. RVFs can be classified into low and high varieties. Low RVF is between the lower third of the rectum or anal canal and the lower half of the vagina. A high fistula is between the middle third of the rectum and the posterior vaginal fornix. Small-sized fistulas are less than 0.5 cm in diameter, medium-sized fistulas are 0.5–2.5 cms, and large-sized fistulas exceed 2.5 cms.
